Janja Garnbret Dominates IFSC World Cup in Innsbruck, Suzuki Claims Gold

In a thrilling conclusion to the IFSC Climbing World Cup 2025 held in Innsbruck, Slovenia's Janja Garnbret showcased her exceptional climbing prowess, clinching the gold medal in the women's Lead final. This victory marks Garnbret's triumphant return to competitive climbing following the Olympic Games, where she previously secured two gold medals. Her remarkable performance saw her finish with a score of 41, outperforming her closest competitor by eight moves, underscoring her status as a dominant force in the sport.

The event took place on June 29, 2025, at the iconic Kletterzentrum Innsbruck, a venue renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and passionate climbing community. The competition drew a significant crowd, providing an electric backdrop for the climbers. "I love Innsbruck; that’s why I chose this competition for my return after the Olympic year. The crowd is fantastic; they give you fuel, they give you energy to climb," Garnbret stated in a post-competition interview.

Garnbret's victory in the Lead final followed her earlier success in the Boulder event, marking the third consecutive season she has achieved this double in Innsbruck. Laura Rogora of Italy secured the silver medal with a score of 33, while Great Britain’s Erin McNeice took home the bronze with a score of 32+. Other notable competitors included Rosa Rekar of Slovenia, who finished fourth, and Annie Sanders of the USA, who placed fifth.

In the men's event, Japan's Neo Suzuki emerged victorious, earning his first World Cup gold medal. Suzuki demonstrated consistent performance throughout the competition, leading the field in the final with a strong score that reflected his semi-final success. "I’m very happy with my first gold medal. Innsbruck is an awesome venue; there were so many people supporting me," Suzuki expressed after the event. Toby Roberts of Great Britain took the silver, while Alberto Ginés López of Spain rounded out the podium with bronze.

Despite strong performances, climbers Yoshida Satone of Japan and Yannick Flohé of Germany, both of whom reached the top of the final route, missed medal placements, finishing fourth and fifth respectively. The men's Lead final saw a competitive field, with a total of five climbers topping the route, a rare feat that highlights the growing caliber of climbers in the sport.

Looking ahead, the IFSC World Cup Series 2025 continues with two additional events scheduled in the coming weeks. The Krakow event on July 5-6 will focus on Speed climbing, while Chamonix, France, will welcome athletes for both Lead and Speed competitions from July 11-13. As the season progresses, climbers will be vying for overall titles in what has been an increasingly competitive season.

The IFSC aims to provide regular updates and coverage of all events through its digital channels including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, ensuring fans remain engaged with this exhilarating sport. For further details on the results and upcoming events, visit the official IFSC website.